Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey vs Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric
Both made our Best Deep Fryers for Turkey shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL if you want the only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey. Choose the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 if you'd rather have 1800W immersed element recovers heat fast when cold chicken drops the oil temperature. Overall we rank the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Deep Fryers for Turkey list.
Winner overall: Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL
Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL vs Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Deep Fryers for Turkey | #2 of 3 in Best Deep Fryers for Turkey |
| Pick label | Top pick | Best overall |
| Brand | Masterbuilt | Hamilton Beach |
| Key features | Rated for turkeys up to approximately 18 to 20 pounds; 1650W heating element; Porcelain-coated inner pot and basket | 4.5-liter / 19-cup oil capacity; 1800W immersed heating element; Two baskets included |
| Biggest strength | The only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey | 1800W immersed element recovers heat fast when cold chicken drops the oil temperature |
| Main trade-off | Single-purpose appliance that mostly sees use around the holidays | Large footprint takes up real counter space compared to compact fryers |
| Best for | turkey | fried chicken |
Which should you buy?

#1 pick · Top pick
Choose the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL if…
- The only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey
- Certified for indoor use removes the propane and tip-over risks of outdoor turkey fryers
- Porcelain-coated pot and basket clean up easier than bare metal after a full bird
Best for: turkey
Prefer the alternative? See the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 section.

#2 pick · Best overall
Choose the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 if…
- 1800W immersed element recovers heat fast when cold chicken drops the oil temperature
- Two baskets let you fry dark and white meat in separate batches without waiting on cleanup
- 4.5-liter capacity fits enough oil to fully submerge 6 to 8 bone-in pieces at once
Best for: fried chicken
Prefer the alternative? See the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL section.
Pros and cons of each
Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL
Pros
- The only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey
- Certified for indoor use removes the propane and tip-over risks of outdoor turkey fryers
- Porcelain-coated pot and basket clean up easier than bare metal after a full bird
- Doubles as a steamer and boiler for other large-batch holiday cooking
Cons
- Single-purpose appliance that mostly sees use around the holidays
- Large size still needs dedicated storage space for the rest of the year
Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036
Pros
- 1800W immersed element recovers heat fast when cold chicken drops the oil temperature
- Two baskets let you fry dark and white meat in separate batches without waiting on cleanup
- 4.5-liter capacity fits enough oil to fully submerge 6 to 8 bone-in pieces at once
- Removable heating element and enamel-coated tank are dishwasher safe
Cons
- Large footprint takes up real counter space compared to compact fryers
- No digital timer, so you're tracking time separately
- Two baskets means two things to store between uses
Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL vs Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036: common questions
Which is better, the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL or the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036?
Choose the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL if you want the only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey. Choose the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 if you'd rather have 1800W immersed element recovers heat fast when cold chicken drops the oil temperature. Overall we rank the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Deep Fryers for Turkey list.
What is the difference between the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL and the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036?
The Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL stands out because the only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey, while the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 stands out because 1800W immersed element recovers heat fast when cold chicken drops the oil temperature. The trade-offs differ too: the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL's main caveat is that single-purpose appliance that mostly sees use around the holidays, and the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036's is that large footprint takes up real counter space compared to compact fryers.
Is the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL worth it over the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 instead if single-purpose appliance that mostly sees use around the holidays is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 instead of the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL?
The Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036 suits fried chicken, while the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL is best for turkey.